2010-15

In Support of Increasing Media Diversity Through Latino-Owned and Operated Firms; Growing the Latino Audience

Representative Minnie Gonzalez (CT)

Short Title: Media Diversity

WHEREAS, the ownership of television, radio, cable, Internet and satellite companies has a profound effect on first amendment freedoms; and

WHEREAS, attention must be given to minority media ownership as a means of empowering community views; and

WHEREAS,Latino ownership or control of broadcast media companies is very limited, and is virtually nonexistent in public broadcasting; and

WHEREAS, there are no Latino controlled public television stations in the continental United States that are part of the Public Broadcast System (PBS); and

WHEREAS, increasing the number and distribution of U.S. Latino-owned or controlled television and radio networks would enhance diversity and serve the Latino community; and

WHEREAS, the total number television channels has multiplied as a result of DTV transition ; and

WHEREAS, there is a unique opportunity to use existing digital television channels to expand media diversity by facilitating the use of that capacity by independent, non-profit, minority and new broadcast entities; and

AND NOW, THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators urges the administration to make media diversity be considered a central consideration of media policy.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,that the Administration pursue policies to make existing broadcast spectrum resources available to independent, non-profit, minority controlled networks;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Administration use its existing authorities to establish and supervise capacity set-asides for multi-channel video systems in a manner which providers to create opportunities for and enhances advance the diversity of media ownership diversity; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,that the Administration make media diversity a central consideration of media policy.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED,that broadcast spectrum and financial resources dedicated to public broadcasting be made available to independent, minority educational networks that are not presently part of the public broadcasting system.

Sponsored By: Representative Minnie Gonzalez (CT)

THIS RESOLUTION WAS ADOPTED BY NHCSL AND RATIFIED AT ITS ANNUAL MEETING HELD IN SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS NOVEMBER 13TH, 2010.